22 March ICC's Public Health Technology program to join in national celebration with local events March 22, 2024 By Thomas, Donna S. Career Center, General 0 Itawamba Community College’s Public Health Technology program will join those in the profession in celebrating the week of April 1 as National Public Health Week. According to program director Cassie Alexander, the theme is “Protecting, Connecting and Thriving: We Are All Public Health.” She said the commemoration recognizes the contributions of public health in improving the physical condition of the people of the United States and for ICC’s Public Health Technology program, the residents of Mississippi, specifically those in Chickasaw, Itawamba, Lee, Monroe and Pontotoc counties; and achieving health equity. “Community health workers are the backbone of public health, bridging the gap between healthcare systems and the communities they serve, ensuring that no one is left behind in the pursuit of well-being and equity,” said Caroline Newkirk, ICC adjunct instructor and Evaluation Specialist with the Mississippi Public Health Institute. “ICC’s Public Health Technology program fills a critical gap in Mississippi by offering a curriculum that prepares its students exceptionally well with the knowledge and skills to be invaluable community health workers. In a state that is medically underserved, community health workers in Mississippi serve as pivotal links to care, providing health education, monitoring health and ensuring continuity of care to those they serve. ICC’s program is to be commended for its commitment to this essential public health profession.” ICC’s Public Health Technology is a two-year (four-semester) program which integrates lecture courses with real-life practical experience. Successful completion of the first 30 hours in the selected discipline entitles the student to receive a career certificate and completion of 45 hours, a Technical Certificate. In addition, the program offers an 18-hour Community Health Worker certificate. Graduates earn an Associate of Applied Science degree and have an opportunity to work in collaboration with other healthcare providers and public health officials to improve the health and wellness of the local, state and national citizenry. They can hold positions such as community health worker, insurance navigator, healthcare advocate and healthcare educator, Alexander said. 2022 ICC Public Health Technology graduate Morgan Windham of Mantachie is currently completing work on her bachelor’s degree in the same field in May and is an employee of Mantachie Rural Health Care. “Public Health has shown me that you can impact more than one patient at a time. The entire community is our patient. I love my job and what I do. Public Health has been so beneficial to me, and I feel that I’ve grown so much.” One of two Mississippi community colleges that offer a degree in Public Health Technology, ICC’s program began during the 2016 fall semester. Before it opened, it was one of six recipients in the nation of a League for Innovation in the Community College award. It has been recognized multiple times among the nation’s best schools for online degrees and certificates in the healthcare field. Among the activities to commemorate the week at ICC include the signing of a proclamation by Dr. Jay Allen, president; sponsoring a public health campaign to raise awareness at ICC and hosting a speaker from the Mississippi Public Health Institute to share information regarding not only the national week’s focus, but also the importance of the profession. Related Articles ICC's Public Health Technology program joins in Apr. 7-13 national celebration Itawamba Community College’s Public Health Technology program will join those in the profession in celebrating April 7-13 as National Public Health Week. According to program director Cassie Alexander, the theme is “It Starts Here.” She said the commemoration recognizes the contributions of public health in improving the physical condition of the people of the United States and for ICC’s nationally-recognized Public Health Technology program, the residents of Mississippi, specifically those in Chickasaw, Itawamba, Lee, Monroe and Pontotoc counties; and achieving health equity. “Public health starts with each of us making a difference in our homes and communities,” Alexander said in summarizing the information provided by the American Public Health Association. “It’s how the places we live, work and play affect our well-being. It’s the way we are all stronger – and healthier – together through the efforts of organizations like the APHA and others that advocate for healthy communities.” Alexander, who serves on the Mississippi State Department of Health Community Health Worker Taskforce, is excited about recent legislation that will help advance the educational and career opportunities for ... ICC's Public Health Technology ranked fifth in the nation Itawamba Community College has been named one of 2021’s best schools for online programs and courses in healthcare education by EduMed.org. ICC’s Public Health Technology program is ranked fifth in the nation. “Itawamba Community College appreciates this ranking and recognition by EduMed.org,” said ICC President Dr. Jay Allen. “It is validation that ICC provides flexible, affordable and student-centered programs. Our students are our top priority, and their success is our success.” Only eight percent of U.S. postsecondary institutions earned a ranking position, according to EduMed.org, which researched and analyzed more than 7,700 accredited schools using data from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) and from the schools themselves. The website’s data science team then applied a proprietary algorithm to rank all qualifying schools for each healthcare discipline. Primary data points include number of online programs in subject area, online program tuition and fees, access to academic counseling and career placement services, number of online students and percentage of students with institutional aid. Wes Ricketts, founder of EduMed.org said that schools with ... Upcoming ICC Paralegal Technology celebration coincides with national commemoration Itawamba Community College’s Paralegal Technology program has scheduled a special celebration, Oct. 23 to coincide with the commemoration of a national event. Its 2024 National Paralegal Day Celebration from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. in the Academic and Student Center lobby on the Tupelo Campus will enable participants to mix and mingle with area industry members, especially those in the profession and attorneys, as well as to learn more about ICC’s Paralegal Technology program and the paralegal profession, according to director Haley Carpenter. She has a variety of student stories to share regarding the importance of ICC’s Paralegal Technology program. “One student said that she and her mother experienced a hard time after her father died intestate (without a will). They worked with the probate court to settle his estate, and the process was confusing. She wanted to become a part of a legal team to ensure her clients that they would have an advocate in their corner.” Another student, who was the child of a bitter divorce and custody battle, wants to be a voice for the children and help ... Respiratory Care Technology program joins schools from across the nation in Oct. 22-28 celebration Itawamba Community College’s Respiratory Care Technology program is joining schools from across the nation in honoring and recognizing the invaluable contributions of respiratory therapists to patient care during a week designated in their honor. “Respiratory Care week is an outstanding opportunity to recognize the essential work and dedication of respiratory care professionals as well as to promote awareness for lung health,” said Adam Denton, program director. Additionally, it provides a platform for sharing the multifaceted impact of respiratory therapists from collaborating with executive leaders to serving as advocates for patients and engaging with local communities. ICC’s Respiratory Care is a two-year (five-semester) program. Graduates will receive an Associate of Applied Science degree and will be eligible to take the national credentialing exam to become a Registered Respiratory Therapist (Respiratory Care practitioner). “Respiratory Therapists apply scientific principles to prevent, identify and treat acute or chronic dysfunction of the cardiopulmonary system,” Denton said. “Their knowledge of the scientific principles underlying cardiopulmonary physiology and pathophysiology, as well as biomedical engineering and technology, enables them to effectively ... Application deadline approaches for ICC health science programs Itawamba Community College’s School of Health Science programs are designed to prepare individuals for employment in the healthcare field, and the application deadline for fall 2025 is rapidly approaching for 10 of the 11 programs. Students interested in ICC’s Associate Degree Nursing, Diagnostic Medical Sonography, Health Information Technology, Occupational Therapy Assistant Technology, Physical Therapist Assistant Technology, Practical Nursing, Public Health Technology, Radiologic Technology, Respiratory Care Technology and Surgical Technology must submit their online application and meet the requirements by May 1. According to Tonya Vaughn, Dean of Health Science Instruction, the only exception is Emergency Medical Sciences, which has an application deadline of Aug. 1 for the fall class. “Those who complete ICC’s health science programs earn either a certificate of completion or an Associate of Applied Science degree at the conclusion of their programs,” Vaughn said. “With our sophomores in all programs nearing the end of their study and preparation to enter the workforce, it is both a sad and happy time. We are excited for them as they take their place ... ICC's Paralegal Technology program is in the nation's top 10 Itawamba Community College’s Paralegal Technology program has been selected as one of the top 10 online Paralegal degree programs in the nation by BestColleges. ICC offers two degrees in paralegal studies: an online Associate of Applied Science degree in paralegal technology and an Associate of Arts degree in general studies with a paralegal studies emphasis. The two-year A.A.S. degree in paralegal technology includes coursework in legal research, civil litigation and legal writing. Coursework in wills and estates, family law, torts and real property introduces students to subsets of the legal field while providing information about legal principles and procedures, according to program director Jamie Hall. Students gain the analytical, communication, research and technical skills needed to work alongside legal professionals. The program also includes an internship during which students apply learned concepts. ICC’s online paralegal technology program prepares students for entry-level positions as paralegals and legal assistants in law firms, government agencies and businesses. Students can complete the 61-62 hour credit program in two years. “ICC’s general studies associate degree with an emphasis ... Comments are closed.